One year ago, the Conference speech was all stop-Reform rhetoric. The realistic expectation is that this year it will be more of the same. But as a Lib Dem and Compass member, I would rather hear a speech that moves beyond unproductive anti-Reform rhetoric, and indicates a realistic strategy to counter their threat. Since the Lib Dems don’t have a real chance to govern alone, a progressive coalition should at least be discussed.

It is understandable that the Lib Dems have been wary about coalitions, given their past experiences. The stop-Reform rhetoric builds momentum and gives the party a clear sense of purpose, but the rhetoric needs to be matched by a workable plan. 

If the Liberal Democrats want to stop Reform nationally, they must either win enough seats to form a government themselves, or prepare for a progressive coalition. 

Operationally, Davey is talking about identifying local and constituency-level contests where the Liberal Democrats can defeat Reform or the Conservatives. Winning selected constituencies can alter the distribution of seats, but it does not by itself establish a route to forming or determining the next government. 

The Lib Dems’ hyper-local strategy may have a place within that effort, particularly in deciding individual constituencies. But it isn’t a credible strategy. If it succeeds, it could reduce Reform’s representation, but it has little chances to lock them out of power.

Therefore, the national question remains unanswered: how do the Lib Dems on their own prevent Reform from becoming part of, or leading, the next government? If they can’t do that on their own, then how? If Davey is serious about stopping Reform and the far right, it is time to align the rhetorical and operational levels, and accept the inevitable trade-offs.

Progressive parties including the Lib Dems should prepare for the scenario where they join forces, if stopping the far right is the real goal ─ as opposed to producing soundbites that work well with supporters. 

There is no doubt that even floating the idea (let alone discussing and implementing) of a progressive coalition is a difficult decision. It is not a silver bullet, and it even has potential to backfire. But that is precisely why it needs to be discussed in the open rather than behind closed doors: it is only in the open that ideas can be tested involving party activists and the public debate.

The conversation needs to start now because a progressive alliance with Labour and the Greens can’t be improvised. 

It does appear that the idea is being considered, although signals are mixed and contradictory. In his speech at the Liberal International’s London Security Conference 2026 (9th September) Davey said that the recent election in Hungary shows that the far right can be beaten if opposition organises. In an interview last month, he said he wants the LibDems to be in government, and that he is open to work with both Labour and the Conservatives. On the 16th September, when asked about an anti-Reform deal with Labour, he said he won’t engage in “hypotheticals”. That’s not enough.

Just talking about post-election deals would be too risky: by then, the electoral damage could already have been done. This is a conversation that needs to start immediately to figure out how it could work in time for the 2029 election. Davey’s conference speech would be the ideal stage to open the door for a progressive coalition, starting a party-wide discussion.

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Francesco Lobina is a Liberal Democrat and Compass Member.